Maltese top long-distance runner Charles Cilia yesterday finished third in the Calvia International Marathon in Palma da Mallorca, in Spain, in 2 hours 38 minutes 46 seconds.

He reached the 10 mile mark in 57 minutes, pursuing two Spanish athletes by one minute.

Cilia reached the half marathon in 1 hour 15 seconds, still keeping third position behind the two Spanish runners. Trailing Cilia by one minute 20 seconds was a German runner.

Cilia finished the event clocking 2 hours 38 minutes 46 seconds. First was Jose Santos from Spain in 2hours 27minutes 51 seconds followed by compatriot Juan Delgado in 2hours 31 minutes and 39 seconds.

Cilia tried hard to defend the title he won last year. He kept pace with the front runners up to the first half marathon, but then the Spaniard ran away. Cilia was still happy that he finished third.

He is the only Maltese male runner to win an International Marathon abroad. He is also the only Maltese runner who was invited by the organising committee to run the Calvia International Marathon. He was accompanied by his coach Ivan Roshnov.